Prognosis Poor for Women With Pregnancy-Associated Melanoma

(HealthDay News) -- For women aged younger than 50 years, melanoma prognosis is worse for those aged 40 to 49 years and for those diagnosed with a pregnancy-associated melanoma, according to a study published in the April issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Alejandra Tellez, M.D., from the Cleveland Clinic, and colleagues conducted a retrospective study to examine histopathology, staging, risk factors, and outcomes of cutaneous melanoma in women aged up to 49 years with biopsy-proven melanoma.

"The increasing incidence of melanoma for women younger than 50 years suggests that regular skin checks and self-examinations are warranted," the authors write. "In addition, in women given the diagnosis of melanoma during or within one year after childbirth, regular follow-up and monitoring for recurrence are recommended."

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